OurTown

NEWSLETTER
As we gather this Memorial Day, we pause not simply for a long weekend or the
unofficial start of summer, but to honor the brave men and women who made the
ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
Their courage secured the freedoms we enjoy each day — the freedom to gather with
family, celebrate our communities, and pursue the American dream. Memorial Day is a
solemn reminder that liberty is never free, and that generations of heroes answered
the call to protect it.
In our town, we are proud to remember those who served with honor and gave
everything for something greater than themselves. We also extend our deepest
gratitude to the military families who carry both the pride and the pain of that sacrifice.
Today, I encourage everyone to take a moment of reflection. Attend a local ceremony,
place a flag, share a story, or simply pause in gratitude for those who never came
home.
May we continue to live in a way that honors their legacy — with unity, compassion,
service, and love for community and country.
On behalf of our town, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.
God bless our fallen heroes.
Mayor Dawson
Our T own
Published weekly by the Town of Burgaw | May 18-22, 2026
A Memorial Day Reflection
Monday, May 25, 2026
10:00 AM
Courthouse Square
near the corner of Fremont
& Wright Streets
Town offices will be closed
on Monday, May 25th in
observance of Memorial Day
Please join us as we
honor and remember
Memorial
Day
Ceremony

Our Town | Page 2
UPCOMING
May 25
Town offices closed in observance of
Memorial Day
May 25 | 10:00 AM
Memorial Day Ceremony
Courthouse Square near the corner of Wright
and Fremont Streets
June 1 | 9:00 AM
Town Council Special Meeting:
Budget Work Session
Burgaw Town Center
June 4 | 8:30 AM
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
Burgaw Visitor Center
June 4 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Summer on the Square Concert
Courthouse Square
June 9 | 4:30 PM
Burgaw Town Council Regular Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
June 16 | 6:00 PM
Blueberry Bingo
Historic Train Depot
SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Burgaw Town Council will hold a
Special Meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the
Burgaw Town Center for the purpose of holding discussion
regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Budget. This
meeting is open to the public.
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CANCELLATION
Notice is hereby given that the regular meeting of the Burgaw
Beautification Committee scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, has
been cancelled. The next regular meeting of the Beautification
Committee will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 8:30 AM at
the Burgaw Town Center.
PUBLIC NOTICE
From maintaining utility infrastructure and
public facilities to street maintenance,
debris pickup, and so much more, our
Public Services employees work hard
behind the scenes each day to help keep
Burgaw running smoothly. We appreciate
your dedication and commitment in
serving our town!
This week, we celebrated a
special milestone in Pender
County and Burgaw history
with a ribbon cutting
ceremony at the Pender
County Museum honoring
the 75th Anniversary of our
hospital.
Celebrating 75 Years

What Progress Means to Me
Mayor Dawson’s Latest Message from the Community Connection Blog on
the Town Website
Our Town | Page 3
As mayor, I often think about what the word “progress” truly means
to me and for our town, especially when others may see it
differently.
Progress is not about becoming the biggest town. It is not about
losing the charm and character that make our community special. To
me, progress is about continuing to make our small town better
while holding on to the values that make people proud to call it
home.
Progress means creating a community that is friendly, safe,
welcoming, and vibrant for everyone — from longtime residents to
young families and visitors discovering our town for the first time.
It means investing in our parks, sidewalks, and public spaces so
families have places to gather, children have places to play, and
neighbors can connect with one another. A strong community is
built in those everyday moments.
Progress also means supporting community events that bring people
together. Festivals, farmers markets, concerts, parades, and local
celebrations create memories and strengthen the spirit of our town.
These events remind us that small towns thrive when people feel
connected.
Most importantly, progress means supporting our small businesses.
Our local businesses are the heartbeat of our community. When our
shops, restaurants, boutiques, and entrepreneurs thrive, our entire
town thrives. Supporting local businesses creates jobs, strengthens
our economy, and preserves the unique identity of our downtown
and neighborhoods.
Progress is about thoughtful growth — growth that respects our
history while preparing for the future. It is about improving quality
of life while maintaining the small -town hospitality and sense of
community that people love.
Every sidewalk improved, every park enhanced, every business
opened, and every community event hosted is another step
forward.
That is what progress means to me.
And together, I believe we are building a stronger future for our
town while keeping the heart of our community alive.
Mayor Dawson
Tourism Development Authority
We are currently accepting
applications to fill one (1) vacancy
on the Burgaw Tourism
Development Authority (TDA).
This volunteer opportunity is
ideal for individuals who are
passionate about our community
and want to help promote all that
makes Burgaw special.
The Tourism Development
Authority works to support
tourism-related initiatives,
market local attractions and
events, and help strengthen
Burgaw’s economy and visibility
as a destination. From
celebrating our rich history and
small-town charm to supporting
events and local businesses, the
TDA plays an important role in
showcasing our community.
Burgaw residents, business
owners, and individuals with an
interest in tourism, marketing,
community development, or local
promotion are encouraged to
apply. Visit burgawnc.gov for
more information and application
to apply.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
ACCEPTING
APPLICATIONS

Our Town | Page 4
Burgaw Parks, Recreation & Tourism Activities and Events
Blueberry Bingo Night is coming to the Burgaw
Train Depot, and the community is invited to join in
on an evening of fun, laughter, and a little friendly
competition.
The event will take place on Tuesday, June 16, from
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Burgaw Train Depot.
Participants can enjoy multiple rounds of bingo
while celebrating Burgaw ’s blueberry spirit in a
festive atmosphere.
Registration is $10, and participants may play a
maximum of three cards per person. Attendees are
also encouraged to get into the fun by dressing in
all things blue!
Get your tickets now and register online at
burgawnc.gov/bingo.
Blueberry Bingo Night is another exciting way for
residents and visitors to come together, enjoy the
community, and celebrate all things blueberry!
Bingo, Blueberries
& Burgaw Fun!
Get ready for an evening of teamwork, friendly
competition, and puzzle -solving fun at the Burgaw
Town Center! The Town of Burgaw invites the
community to participate in a Team Puzzle
Competition on Wednesday, June 17, from 6:00–8:00
PM.
Teams of 2–4 participants will race against the clock —
and each other — to complete a 750-piece puzzle first.
The cost is $25 per team, and advance registration is
required. Space is limited to just 10 teams total, so
early registration is encouraged. Teams must register
together as one group.
All ages are welcome to join the fun. To register, visit
burgawnc.gov/puzzle.
Calling all puzzle lovers!
Gather your team and join the fun!
Check it out!
Hi friends! We are excited to share that
Burgaw’s newest mural is complete! Be
sure to swing by Hankins Park to check it
out and snap a few photos!
We would love to see your photos with our new mural! Send them to us for a chance
to be featured in our newsletter and social media: Email kwells@burgawnc.gov

Gummer ontus SQUARE
MAY Eels Somethin’ Good
21 Pepe’s Tacos
Sunset Slush of the Southeast
Carolina Hibachi
a Poor Piggy’s BBQ and Catering
The Carolina Whip
Webo’s BBQ Food Truck
JUNE Port City Plates
18 The Carolina Whip
KT’s BBQ
Pepe’s Tacos
Chocolate and S’more
FOOD TRUCKS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
PENDER COUNTY
aurks & Recreation
Our Town | Page 5

Mayor
Olivia Dawson
Mayor Pro Tem
James Malloy
Council Members
Bill George
William Rivenbark
Michael Pearsall
Myra McDuffie
Town Manager
James H. Gantt
Town Clerk
Kristin J. Wells
Town Attorney
Norwood P. Blanchard, III
Town Hall
109 N. Walker St.
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-259-2151
mail@burgawnc.gov
www.burgawnc.gov
Office Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday-Friday
PUBLIC WORKS
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
NUMBER
PHONE # 910-470-0457
This phone is only answered after
hours, between 4:30 PM - 7:30 AM,
and is for water and sewer
emergencies only . Unless Public
Works has been given prior notice
from Town Hall, Public Works
cannot turn your water on due to
non-payment shut off.
Utilities
663-3445
Parks & Town Events
300-6401
Human Resources
663-3444
Permitting & Inspections
663-3452
Public Services
Department
259-2901
Police Department
Non-Emergency
259-4924
Fire Department
Non-Emergency
259-7494
Elected & Appointed
Officials
Connect with us!
Town Council Meetings
Second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 PM
Public Forum/Public Hearings at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
Planning Board Meetings
Third Thursday of every month at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
Tourism Development Authority Meetings
First Thursday of every month at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Visitor Center (Old Jail)
106 E. Wilmington St.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Meetings
Second Monday of February, May, August,
November at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Visitor Center (Old Jail)
106 E. Wilmington St.
Beautification Committee Meetings
First Friday of every month at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
CURRENT MEETI NG
SCHED ULE
All meetings listed above are open to
the public; oral and written
comments always welcome.
Meeting agendas can be found on the
town’s website at BurgawNC.gov.
Notices for cancelations and special
called meetings will be posted on the
town’s website and weekly
newsletter when necessary.
For questions or assistance, please
contact the Town Clerk at 910-663-
3441 or kwells@burgawnc.gov.